Data to Collect in States

This page is divided into two parts. The first is the standardized data that we would like to collect from all states as we visit them. The second part contains links to the state visit planning pages for each of the seven states (forthcoming) we will be visiting. If there is data that you would like to collect from certain states, please put it into the section at the bottom of the page.

DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN EACH STATE
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED
These questions fall in several categories. The questions are just guides to the discussion and give us an idea of the kind of information we want to collect.

Where is the state library in your state’s structure? How does this position impact your ability to facilitate high speed bandwidth for libraries in your state?

How is the state librarian involved in networking efforts at the state level?

What is your state's vision for public library Internet connectivity and network service provision?

What are the most successful methods that libraries have used to connect to high speed access in your state? (Type of connectivity: state network, coalitions, regional networks, unique configurations, etc.)

What are the general problems and issues you face in getting high speed access for local public libraries to the internet and for other library functions?

Are there any studies in your state that would be helpful?

If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were going to try and help in this arena, what could they do?

These are the questions asked of the telecommunication companies and perhaps government officials and the PUC.

How would you characterize the state of broadband deployment in your state? Is it adequate? Lacking? Growing? Successful?

Where is the most pressing shortage of capacity? In the long-haul network, the “middle mile” between switching centers and the backbone? Or in the “last mile” connection to the consumer?

Who are the leaders in broadband deployment in the state? Cable? Bell Companies? Rural telcos? Municipalities? State? Others?

Are there any studies documenting the state of broadband deployment in your state?

What are the biggest impediments to greater broadband deployment?

How active has the state government been in promoting broadband deployment? For instance, has the state helped to aggregate demand? Has the State attempted to coordinate broadband networks? Has the state sponsored education plans for consumers?

Are there any restrictions on broadband providers that hinder the growth of the broadband market?

Have municipal control over rights-of-way been a barrier to broadband deployment? What kind of fees or conditions do they attach to using their rights-of-way?

What is the status of video franchise process? Who has the authority to award video franchises - the cities or the state? Is the current status helpful or harmful to broadband deployment? How could it be improved?

Are there any difficulties connecting local broadband networks to state networks or to long-haul networks?

Are there any state regulations issued by the state public service commission that particularly affect broadband deployment – either positively or negatively?

What affect does the federal high-cost fund have on broadband deployment in the state? The federal e-rate program? Rural health service fund?

Since our primary focus is getting affordable broadband capabilities to public libraries, what do you think are the major issues affecting libraries’ access to broadband?

Does the state have a universal service fund for schools and libraries? If so, has it worked? If not, should the state adopt such a program?

Have you heard from or interacted with the libraries in your state? Is there any coordination with the state librarian to promote greater broadband connectivity to libraries?

What recommendations do you have for promoting broadband deployment to libraries? How should the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

We have discussed conducting at least one focus group in each state with local public libraries. We will ask the state librarian to set it up. We would like a range of librarians, from both small and large libraries, and from libraries with high and with low connectivity if there is not a state network.
We would begin the interview with an explanation of the project and its purpose. Possible questions:

Describe your current network. How is it configured? How much bandwidth do you have? How do you get it? What does it cost? How is it funded? Is it scalable?

What do you use your bandwidth for?

Internet connectivity – describe uses

Internal operations – describe uses

ILS/PAC – describe

What would you like to do with your Internet Connection that you cannot do with your current environment?

Is your bandwidth sufficient? If no, what problems does the insufficient bandwidth cause for your staff and patrons?

What would you consider sufficient bandwidth? How did you arrive at that amount?

If you had more bandwidth, what would you use if for? What is your vision for your library’s connectivity?

What are the barriers to getting more bandwidth?

E-rate: What role does e-rate play in high speed access for public libraries?

Who applies for the E-rate funds?

How does CIPA impact?

Who at the regional or state level provides you assistance in analyzing your needs and getting you more bandwidth?

If the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation were to offer assistance in getting more of US public libraries with higher bandwidth, what would be most helpful?